George Hearst was a big name in America during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Imagine a time with no internet, no cell phones, and no cars! He made his fortune finding gold and silver, and that money helped him become a powerful man.
He was a Senator in the United States government, which is like being on a big team that makes decisions for the whole country. He also owned newspapers, which were how people got their news back then. But even important people like George Hearst get old, and everyone’s story eventually comes to an end. Let’s learn about how his life ended.
Early Life and Rise to Wealth
George Hearst was born in Missouri in 1820. His family had a farm, so he knew about hard work from a young age. But George was interested in more than farming. When gold was discovered in California in 1848, he joined the thousands of people rushing west hoping to strike it rich. This was called the Gold Rush, and it was a very exciting time in America.
Instead of searching for gold himself, George learned about mining. He became an expert in how to find gold and silver and how to get it out of the ground. He traveled all over, from California to Nevada to South Dakota, investing in mines. He even went to other countries like Peru and Mexico looking for valuable metals. Many of his investments were successful, and he became extremely wealthy.
George Hearst’s Impact on the World
With his fortune, George Hearst bought a lot of land and became a powerful businessman. He purchased the San Francisco Examiner, a newspaper that became very popular. This gave him a voice in politics and helped him get elected as a Senator from California in 1886.
Hearst was also known for his generosity. He and his wife, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, gave away a lot of money to good causes. Phoebe was very interested in education, and they used their wealth to support schools and universities. Have you ever heard of the University of California, Berkeley? They gave a lot of money to help build that school!
Later Years and Declining Health
As George Hearst got older, his health started to fail. Like a car that has been driven a long way, our bodies can start to wear down over time. He had some problems with his heart, which made it hard for him to do the things he used to enjoy.
In the late 1880s, doctors recommended that he spend time in a warmer climate. They thought the change might be good for his health. So, George Hearst began spending more time in Washington, D.C., where he had a home, and traveling to Europe.
How Did George Hearst Die?
George Hearst died on February 28, 1891, in Washington, D.C. He was 70 years old. The main cause of his death was heart disease. This means his heart was not strong enough to keep working properly.
It’s important to remember that medical care was not as advanced back then. Today, doctors can do many things to help people with heart problems, but in the 1890s, there weren’t as many treatments available.
Legacy of George Hearst
Even though George Hearst is no longer with us, his impact on the world is still felt today. Think about it this way: if you drop a pebble in a pond, it makes ripples that spread out. George Hearst’s life was like that pebble. He did things that made a difference, and those things continued to have an effect even after he was gone.
Here are some of the ways his legacy continues:
- Media: George Hearst’s son, William Randolph Hearst, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a famous newspaper publisher. He built a huge media empire that included newspapers, magazines, and radio stations. Have you ever heard of the Hearst Corporation? That’s still a big media company today!
- Politics: George Hearst’s time as a Senator showed how people who make a lot of money in business can also have influence in government.
- Philanthropy: The generosity of George and Phoebe Hearst continues to benefit people today. The schools and organizations they supported are still going strong.
| Area of Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Mining | Hearst’s innovative mining techniques and investments helped shape the industry during the Gold Rush era. |
| Media | His ownership of the San Francisco Examiner laid the foundation for the Hearst media empire, which continues to this day. |
| Politics | His election to the U.S. Senate demonstrated the growing influence of wealthy businessmen in government. |
| Philanthropy | His generous donations, along with his wife Phoebe, supported education and other important causes. |
The Hearst Family After George
After George Hearst’s death, his wife Phoebe continued their charitable work. She became known for her support of education and the arts. Their son, William Randolph Hearst, took over the family’s business interests and expanded them greatly. He became just as famous as his father, maybe even more so!
The Hearst family remained prominent in American society for many years. They were like a famous family you might see on TV today, but they lived long ago!
| Family Member | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|
| Phoebe Apperson Hearst | Philanthropist, supported education and the arts, first woman Regent of the University of California. |
| William Randolph Hearst | Built a massive media empire, known for sensational journalism and political influence. |
Summary: Remembering George Hearst
George Hearst’s life was a real American success story. He came from humble beginnings and achieved great wealth and influence through hard work and smart decisions. He was more than just a businessman; he was a Senator, a newspaper owner, and a philanthropist.
Though his later years were marked by declining health and his eventual death from heart disease in 1891, his legacy continues to inspire. From the media empire built by his son to the institutions that benefited from his generosity, George Hearst’s impact on the world is undeniable.
FAQs
How old was George Hearst when he died?
George Hearst was 70 years old when he passed away in 1891.
Where did George Hearst die?
George Hearst died in Washington, D.C., where he had a home and spent much of his time in his later years.
What was George Hearst’s occupation?
George Hearst was a successful miner, businessman, and politician. He was most known for his investments in mining during the Gold Rush era and his ownership of the San Francisco Examiner.
Was George Hearst married?
Yes, George Hearst was married to Phoebe Apperson Hearst. They had one son, William Randolph Hearst.
What is George Hearst best known for?
George Hearst is best known for his significant wealth accumulated through mining, his ownership of the San Francisco Examiner, his political career as a U.S. Senator, and his philanthropic endeavors alongside his wife.